black hawk drive help

[craigdskilling]

Just installed the bh on a 18 donzi.I hope this works it's at 16.5"I now the magic spot is 17.5 so I hope it will work.

[MOP]

I know you will love the drive, the handling and cornering is very much improved. Will keep an eye out for your post on running it. Phil

[younger]

Your 383 is making good power and the drive may not be perfect but I have found that you can compinsate with power some. For example my setup of the drive is similar, and when I bolted it on in place of the alpha I gained 11 mph and major handling. Some of the things that are draw backs are that the boat is no good for skiing, tubimg, etc. It also works best at 50+ mph. My fuel economy also increased. All you hopes and desires will be awnsered when you hit the water. Don't get turned off the drive on your first ride. These dirves require some different driving tactics then conventional.

[Greg Guimond]

younger, you actually get better gas mileage with that set-up? That is a pretty cool side benefit

[younger]

It is not always about top end. Yes it is impressive to run fast, but I have always setup to be effeicent with that comes speed. When running my holley 750 vac I usually have the secondaries open around 4000, so I get some impressive mpg. With my 850 barry grant not as good but pull a few more rpm on top. Last season we ran 120 gps mile an burned 120 dollars in fuel. That was all day running. I think at one time I would have spent that at the bar in a few hours.

[craigdskilling]

The drive is on let's go boating anyone.I was worried how the drive was going to shift into gear from what i read,but mine shift's no problem or is that because it's not in water.i was expecting clunks.

[MDonziM]

Mine shifts smoothly and since I go about 7 mph in gear the shifting is constant in no wake zones and around the dock. Keep us posted on your performance.

[MOP]

They do shift quite a bit different in the water, at dead idle they run faster than most wake zones allow. Where I knew it was strict I would run the tabs full down to slow it up a but. Cruising fuel consumption is amazing, the drive seems to have very little slip at cruise using a lot less fuel then my current Bravo X.

[MDonziM]

They do shift quite a bit different in the water, at dead idle they run faster than most wake zones allow. Where I knew it was strict I would run the tabs full down to slow it up a but. Cruising fuel consumption is amazing, the drive seems to have very little slip at cruise using a lot less fuel then my current Bravo X.

Phil,

I have not run the numbers lately but the slip% curve is different I think, rather than more efficient. At top end I think my slip is 12 or 13% vs 8-9% with my bravo drive and mirage+ prop. (These #'s are from recollection) But at 3500 rpm or so it does seem efficient or perhapps, more efficient.

Anyway, your old drive has held up well, only oil changes so far...( knock on wood) with about 75hrs.

Thanks - Marshall

[MOP]

On mine at cruise it held the bow at a decent angle had great bite which gave good gph figures, at higher speeds the boat flattened out I just did not have enough ponies and sucked fuel. The swap to the Bravo X gave me about 7 mph, that gave me the trim very much needed in a 22. I still miss the drive and am sorry I let it go, the lack of prop torque and handing is sorely missed. If all I did was got to about 4,000 it would still be on the boat, shame we get so caught up in the final figures and not in what we do the most of.

Phil

[craigdskilling]

I should have the ponys with the 383 400+ to make work well.I have a swim platform on the back that shouldn't make any dif.I will get some pics up this weakand.

[yeller]

The drive is on let's go boating anyone.I was worried how the drive was going to shift into gear from what i read,but mine shift's no problem or is that because it's not in water.i was expecting clunks.

It will shift differently when in the water. Mine is smooth out of the water, but a bear in the water.

Mine shifts smoothly and since I go about 7 mph in gear the shifting is constant in no wake zones and around the dock. Keep us posted on your performance.

I wish I knew what the difference was between our setups. I can get it into gear and out of reverse fine, but getting it out of forward is a major PITA.

[MDonziM]

Yeller,

Don't know what the difference might be... My hull is a 94'. I have my eng idle lower than my engine guy likes (maby 850-900 rpm). I did change my throttle to a Dana 2 lever which I love, effortless throw. My biggest pain with shifting is with my 31" props my rpm dips to 500-600 when I put it in gear which is obviously close to stalling, but I only stay there for a second. If you want to talk you can call me 516 286-6131.

- Marshall

[craigdskilling]

Hey guys here are a few picks of the drive on.my boat is a 84 classic.I notice the round bottom to a step hull. is this going to make a difference.I was able to use my old drive shower just mod a little.something is better than nothing to cool the top of the drive.

[MOP]

Have you carefully timed the props? If unsure of how read the post below, the props should be silent a speed no HUM whatsoever!

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthre...ht=prop+timing